spanner

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Paris had already thrown a spanner in the works by calling this week for a delay to the vote, demanding robust safeguard clauses, tighter import controls and more stringent standards for Mercosur producers.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

A spanner in the works could be if opposition parties agreed on a rival candidate but talks on this this week appeared to make little headway.

From Barron's • Oct. 17, 2025

Divorce, obviously, puts a spanner in the works — and two divorces means two spanners — but you’ve managed to come out of those marriages financially intact.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 9, 2025

Unable to get a job as an accountant since graduating five years ago, Ghanaian Nathaniel Qainoo has been forced to swap his calculator for a spanner.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2024

And then your first wife’s bastard throws a spanner in the works by handing the one person most likely to put the crown on Oak’s head to your rival.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black